President Joe Biden is set to sign an executive order addressing active shooter drills in schools to make them less traumatic for students while remaining effective. The order also aims to limit new technologies that facilitate easier firing and obtaining of guns. Biden, committed to addressing important issues until the end of his term, has placed a strong focus on curbing gun violence, a priority for the 81-year-old president. Having witnessed numerous gun-related tragedies, Biden played a crucial role in advancing gun safety legislation, advocating for bans on assault weapons, and supporting communities affected by violence. He established the first office of gun violence prevention, led by Vice President Kamala Harris. Both Biden and Harris are scheduled to address the issue of gun violence during an event in the Rose Garden.
The executive order instructs Biden’s administration to investigate the potential trauma caused by active shooter drills on students and educators. This research aims to assist schools in developing drills that maximize effectiveness while minimizing any negative impacts. Additionally, the order establishes a task force to examine the risks associated with machine-gun-conversion devices. These devices can transform semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic firearms. The task force will also assess the increasing prevalence of 3D-printed guns, which are produced from online blueprints, are relatively easy to make, and lack serial numbers, making them difficult for law enforcement to trace. The task force is required to submit a report within 90 days, just before Biden’s term comes to an end.
Many Americans support stricter gun laws irrespective of their state’s current legislation. This desire could be linked to the belief that fewer guns could lead to a reduction in mass shootings, a pressing issue that continues to impact the nation. Recent incidents, such as the shooting in Birmingham, Alabama, where four individuals were killed and 17 others injured, highlight the ongoing threat of gun violence in public spaces. According to a database compiled by The Associated Press, USA Today, and Northeastern University, there have been at least 31 mass killings in the United States in 2024, resulting in at least 135 deaths excluding the perpetrators.
